Obituary: Willard Dirks

Willard Dirks was born April 29, 1929 near Halstead, Kansas to Gerhard and Carrie (Unruh) Dirks. In the early morning hours of Friday, October 26, 2012, he peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family, at Bethel Home, Montezuma, Kansas. Dad was 91 years old.

Comment

Kiowa County Signal - Kiowa County, KS

Writer

Posted Nov. 1, 2012 at 7:17 PM
Updated Nov 1, 2012 at 7:18 PM

Posted Nov. 1, 2012 at 7:17 PM
Updated Nov 1, 2012 at 7:18 PM

Greensburg, Ks.

Willard Dirks was born April 29, 1929 near Halstead, Kansas to Gerhard and Carrie (Unruh) Dirks. In the early morning hours of Friday, October 26, 2012, he peacefully passed away, surrounded by his family, at Bethel Home, Montezuma, Kansas. Dad was 91 years old.

Dad was raised on a farm southwest of Greensburg, Kansas. When he was 16, Dad lost his father. Two years later, his mother also passed away. This left Dad with the responsibility of providing for two older sisters, Edna and Lucille, and a younger brother, Gerhard. One of Dad’s favorite stories was telling us how he met our mother, Aimee Ann Heer, at a wedding in Fairvew, Oklahoma. On March 27, 1949, they were married at her parent’s home south of Longdale, Oklahoma. Dad and Mom raised their family in rural Kiowa County. Dad was a lifetime farmer and stockman, retiring nine years ago. He enjoyed fishing and camping and we as children remember many wonderful family trips. Dad was a kind, patient husband and father.

Dad and Mom attended revival meetings and realizing their need of salvation, were converted and then baptized by Minister Glenn Litwiller at Greensburg, April 23, 1950. Dad was an avid Bible scholar, always ready to visit with people about the Word. Daily family devotions were very important to Dad. In later years, Dad faced challenges in his spiritual life. As the sands of time were running out, the Lord graciously opened up an understanding of his lost condition. He cried out to God and we believe he found forgiveness. Our hearts rejoiced as we witnessed the change in his spirit.

The loving care provided by the staff of Bethel Home will long be appreciated by our family. We truly believe it was this love which helped to soften the heart of our dear Dad.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and six sisters. Those remaining with fond memories are his wife, Aimee; two sons, Mark and wife Audrey; Lee and wife Karen; one daughter, Gina and husband Doug Ensz; all of Greensburg, Kansas; eleven grandchildren, Stephanie and husband Rollin Boese, Brady and wife Whitney, Patrick, and Colby Dirks; Meredithe, Alexandra, Gabriel and Marigold Dirks; Adam and wife Shirlee, Katie and Mariah Ensz; and two great grandsons, Levi and Hugo Boese.

Funeral service were held at Bethel Mennonite Church, Greensburg on Monday, October 29, 2012 at 10:30 A.M. with Minister Rod Nace presiding. Burial followed at Bethel Memorial Gardens, Greensburg. Visitation was at Bethel Home in Montezuma on Saturday, October 27 and at Bethel Mennonite Church on Sunday, October 28, 2012. Memorials are suggested to Gospel Tract and Bible Society or Bethel Home in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma - PO Box 421 - Montezuma, KS 67867. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.